| This report offers a rare opportunity to hear the voices of girls themselves and reveals their attitudes to fitness and sport. 1500 boys and girls were surveyed to understand how and when girls turn away from an active lifestyle, and why this process occurs. This was supplemented by focus groups exploring students' participation since pre-school and experiences, thoughts and opinions relating to competition and fun, family and friends and identity. It shows that a gender gap in participation begins in the later years of primary school, and then continues to widen at secondary school with years 8 and 9 as emerging key drop out points. It presents an overview of the barriers girls face to physical activity, including the role of family, friendships, social norms and delivery of physical education and presents a series of recommendations to providers. |
